Why Did Katy Perry LeaveAmerican Idol? Inside the Pop Star's Decision to Exit the Series Ahead of Season 23

Mar. 15, 2025

Katy Perry on the Grande Finale of American Idol Season 22.Photo:Disney/Eric McCandless

Disney/Eric McCandless

The “Dark Horse” singerannounced her departurefrom the judge’s table during a February 2024 appearance onJimmy Kimmel Live!, noting that the 22nd season of the reality singing competition series would be her last.

“I mean I loveIdolso much,” Perry told hostJimmy Kimmel. “It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat.”

The news came as a shock to fans, who loved the pop star’sover-the-top themed outfitsand how she alwaysencouraged contestantsto never give up. Perry joined ABC’s revival ofAmerican Idolin 2018 along withLuke BryanandLionel Richie— who told PEOPLE in April 2024 that the three of them had become “a little family.”

“I think as it goes on, Luke and I will probably get together and realize that we’re going to kidnap her," Richie joked regarding Perry’s exit.

The 13-time Grammy-nominated artist performed “What Makes a Woman” with contestant Jack Blocker duringher final episodeofAmerican Idolin May 2024. Shewore a towering gownthat featured the faces of 160 former contestants and latershared photos of the dueton her Instagram with the caption, “There it is… 7 years.”

The season following her departure premiered on March 9.

So, why did Katy Perry leaveAmerican Idol? Here’s everything to know about the pop singer’s decision to leave the competition series and what she’s been up to since.

Why did Katy Perry leaveAmerican Idol?

American Idol Judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan.Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty

Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty

Perry leftAmerican Idolin 2024 because she wanted to focus on other projects she had planned, including some potential new music.

“I’ve been in the studio for a while so [Richie and Bryan] figured something is coming,” theTeenage Dreamsinger said onJimmy Kimmel Live!. “I love the show so much but I wanna go and see the world and maybe bring new music.”

In July 2024, Perry released her single “Woman’s World” from her album143, which debuted the following September.

Who is replacing Katy Perry onAmerican Idol?

Carrie Underwood arrives to ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ on March 5, 2025 in New York City.Aeon/GC Images

Aeon/GC Images

In August 2024,Good Morning Americaannounced that formerAmerican Idolcontestant turned country superstarCarrie Underwoodwould bereplacing Perryas a judge. The “Before He Cheats” singer won season 4 of the series in 2005, and toldGMAthat returning to the show 20 years later feels like coming “home.”

“There’s so many people that even still work on the show that were there when I was a contestant,” she said in August 2024. “I feel like being on both sides of the coin, hopefully I’ll be able to offer some insight.”

Perrysang Underwood’s praisesto PEOPLE in January 2025, saying that she believes the country singer was “born” to be on the show because she knows firsthand what it’s like to be in the contestants’ shoes.

Who are the judges forAmerican Idolseason 23?

Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on March 5, 2025.Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty

Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty

Underwood will join Richie and Bryan at the judge’s table for season 23 ofAmerican Idol— and theseasoned mentors claimedto have already taught the country star a thing or two.

“Early in the tapings, Carrie didn’t know that you could start telling the contestants what to sing,” Bryan said during a March 2025 appearance onGood Morning America. “So the fun part about that is when you really see something magical in a kid and the other two judges may not, but you can really take ownership of this one particular contestant.”

He continued, “It’s been really fun watching her learn stuff like that and we’re just having a blast with the talent. It’s really awesome this year."

When isAmerican Idolcoming back?

Winner of American Idol Season 22, Abi Carter.Disney/Eric McCandless

Season 23 ofAmerican Idolwill premiere on March 9 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

New episodes will also be available to stream onHulu.

What is Katy Perry doing now?

Samir Hussein/WireImage

Since her final episode ofAmerican Idolairedin May 2024, Perry has been focused on her own music career. She released her seventh studio album in September 2024 and announced her upcoming North American tour in January 2025.

“I will be introducing people to a few new songs, and I’m calling itLifetimes Tourbecause I’m celebrating the whole lifetime of songs thus far," Perry told PEOPLE, noting that it will be nothing short of a spectacle.

“There’s costume changes, there’s acts, there’s dancers, there’s musicians,” she teased. “I’ll fly around the room. There’s no bad seat in the house. I’m going to get close to everyone at some point."

source: people.com